The Russia/Ukraine conflict is happening on a global scale. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand how it will impact your business. Many companies worldwide could be affected by increased food prices, technology breaches, and gas costs. Currently, businesses are feeling the effects of this conflict in different ways. Chances are you’re also feeling the heat. Therefore, this is why we’ve put together this article. We are helping you understand what to expect and prepare yourself for whatever comes your way.
Increased Gas Prices
Russia is one of the world’s largest oil and gas exporters. However, they have stopped supplying oil and gas to global markets because of the current conflict. As a result, this has caused prices to surge in many parts of the world.
If your business uses gas to power vehicles or machinery, you will be affected by this price hike. Further, you may need to find an alternative source of energy. Additionally, you could raise your prices to cover the increased costs.
The Russia/Ukraine conflict is already causing problems for the shipping industry. Many ships that carry oil and gas from Russia to other parts of the world are rerouting. Ultimately, this will cause delays in shipments and higher shipping costs.
Thus, as a business, you need to be aware of these changes and plan accordingly. Contact a business lawyer in Texas if you have any questions or concerns about how the Russia/Ukraine conflict may impact your business.
Cyber Security
The Russia/Ukraine conflict has raised concerns about cyber security. Ukraine is a primary provider of outsourced technology services. In fact, one in five Fortune 500 companies relies on Ukraine’s IT outsourcing division. Fortune 500 is a compiled list of America’s largest companies.
Additionally, Ukraine supports banking, insurance, and financial operation services worldwide. As a result, there is a heightened risk for cyberattacks from Russia. Businesses should protect their data and systems from these potential attacks. Moreover, this includes having up-to-date security software and implementing strong password policies.
There are no current threats to U.S. cyber security. However, it is wise to be aware of the potential issue. In the past, Russia targeted businesses and individuals in other countries with malware and ransomware. Further, the tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to rise. Consequently, there is a greater risk of these attacks more often.
Be Proactive
It would help if you were proactive in protecting your company from cyberattacks. This means taking action before you are the victim of an attack. Here are some best practices your business can follow:
- Make sure that you update all software to its latest version.
- Use strong authentication, including two-factor authentication, for all accounts.
- Implement up-to-date security controls.
By taking these steps, you can help protect your business from any problems posed by the Russia/Ukraine conflict. Cyberattacks are becoming more common and sophisticated. As a result, it’s essential to take steps to safeguard your business.
Train and Inform Employees
Due to the heightened risk of the current climate, training employees is a good idea. Make sure your staff is up to date on company networks, data, and general security.
There are many ways to educate employees on cybersecurity. For example, you can provide in-person training, online courses, or webinars. Additionally, you can require employees to complete periodic security awareness training. As a result, this will help them stay up-to-date on the latest threats and how to protect themselves and your company.
Further, it would be best to inform your employees about the specific threats posed by the Russia/Ukraine conflict. Ultimately, this will help them be prepared to deal with any potential cyberattacks.
Potential Increase of Food Costs
The Russia/Ukraine conflict could also lead to increased food prices. This is because the two countries are responsible for a large portion of the world’s wheat supply. Further, Russia/Ukraine make up about 1/3 of the world’s wheat supply. If the conflict persists, wheat production will likely come to a halt. Therefore, this would lead to a shortage of wheat and an increase in prices.
The U.S. doesn’t rely significantly on Russia/Ukraine for wheat. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that food and energy are tightly intertwined. Meaning, some aspects of food production rely on energy, such as processing, transporting, and packaging. Therefore, if the Russia/Ukraine conflict persists, this could lead to an indirect increase in food prices.
Why hire a Business Lawyer in Texas?
As a business owner, you need to be up-to-date on the latest news and developments affecting your industry. Additionally, it would help if you learned how the Russia/Ukraine conflict could impact your business. This way, you can make informed decisions to protect your interests.
Dooley Noted is a business lawyer in Texas who can help you navigate these issues. We have the experience and knowledge to help you understand the implications of the Russia/Ukraine conflict on your business. Contact Dooley Noted today to see how we can help your company.